Cushioning bolsters for a crib or bed

ABSTRACT

Bed accessories are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to an arrangement of cushion members for use with a crib, a regular bed, or a floor surface. The arrangement of cushion members provided according to aspects of the present invention comprises first and second longitudinal cushion members and first and second lateral cushion members. Each of the first and second longitudinal cushion members comprises a body section defining an axis and first and second end surfaces. Each of the lateral cushion members comprises an angled planar major surface abutting flush against one of the ends surfaces of the first and second longitudinal members.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending InternationalApplication Serial Number PCT/US2009/057106, filed on Sep. 16, 2009,which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) from U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/097,601 filed on Sep. 17, 2008. Thecontents of both prior applications are expressly incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Bed accessories are generally discussed herein, with particulardiscussions extended to cushion members configured to form a paddedenclosure, advantageously for use with a crib or a regular bed.

An infant's crib typically comprises a headboard and a footboardconnected by a mattress support element and a pair of sides. Each of thesides typically comprises top and bottom horizontal bars interconnectedby a plurality of vertical spindles or slats. To reduce the chances of ababy or infant hitting his or her head on the hard headboard andfootboard, and of having the head or a limb entrapped between the spacedslats of the crib, crib bumpers are typically used.

A typical crib bumper comprises four flexible, resilient and softcushioning pads of generally rectangular configuration connectedend-to-end. A typical bumper pad may be, for example, approximately 1.3to 2.5 cm thick and approximately 25 cm high. The pads are enveloped inan attractive cover that keeps the pads connected. The pads are securedto the crib by a plurality of strings or ribbons sewn on the pad coverand tied to the crib sides and/or the footboard and headboard.

The softness of the cushioning pads may expose a baby to the risk ofsuffocation. Furthermore, conventional crib bumpers lack stablepositioning within the crib. Indeed, even though tied to the crib, theycan move up the sides of the crib and thus create an uncovered gap inthe sides. Moreover, being floppy, the bumper pads do not fit snuggly,and the strings or ribbons used to secure the bumpers to the crib canbecome unfastened, leaving the sides of the crib exposed. Also ofconcern is that floppy, unfastened bumper pads may create an additionalsmothering hazard.

Thus, there remains a need for a crib or bed cushioning device orassembly that minimizes the aforementioned shortcomings of conventionalcrib bumpers.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, an arrangementof cushion members defining a substantially rectangular surface havingfirst and second opposed ends and first and second opposed sides isprovided. The arrangement comprises first and second longitudinalcushion members configured to be arranged along the first and secondsides of the area, respectively. Each of the longitudinal cushionmembers comprises a body section defining a first axis and having firstand second end surfaces, each of the first and second end surfacesdefining a first angle relative to the first axis of the body section.The arrangement further comprises first and second lateral cushionmembers configured to be positioned along the first and second ends ofthe area, respectively. The first lateral cushion member has an abutmentportion that is configured to abut flush against the first end surfacesof the first and second longitudinal cushion members; and the secondlateral cushion member has an abutment portion that is configured toabut flush against the second end surfaces of the first and secondlongitudinal cushion members.

In one embodiment, the abutment portions of the lateral cushion membersare provided by an angled planar major surface on each of the lateralcushion members, the major surface defining a second angle that issupplemental to the first angle. In a second embodiment, each of thelateral cushion members comprises a body section defining a second axisand having first and second end surfaces. The abutment portion in thisembodiment is provided by the first and second end surfaces of thelateral cushion members, wherein each of the first and second endsurfaces defines a third angle relative to the second axis. In thesecond embodiment, the first and third angles are complementary. In bothembodiments, the first and second angles allow the first ends of thelongitudinal cushion members to seat flush against the abutment portionof the first lateral cushion member, and the second ends of thelongitudinal cushion members to seat flush against the abutment portionof the second lateral cushion member.

In another example, an arrangement of cushion members having first andsecond opposed ends and first and second opposed sides defining arectangular perimeter is provided. The arrangement includes first andsecond longitudinal cushion members configured to be arranged along thefirst and second sides of the perimeter, respectively. Each of thelongitudinal cushion members comprises a body section defining a firstaxis and having first and second end surfaces, the first end surfacedefining a first angle relative to the first axis of the body sectionand the second end surface defining a second angle relative to the firstaxis of the body section. The first and second lateral cushion membersare configured to be positioned along the first and second ends of theperimeter. The first lateral cushion member has an abutment portionconfigured to abut flush against the first end surfaces of the first andsecond longitudinal cushion members, and the second lateral cushionmember has an abutment portion configured to abut flush against thesecond end surfaces of the first and second longitudinal cushionmembers.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, anarrangement of cushion members is provided for use with a crib or bedhaving left and right sides, a head end, and a foot end. The arrangementcomprises first and second longitudinal cushion members configured to bepositioned along the left and right sides, respectively. Each of thelongitudinal cushion members comprises a body section defining a firstaxis and having first and second end surfaces, the first and second endsurfaces each defining a first angle relative to the first axis of thebody section. The arrangement further comprises first and second lateralcushion members comprising a body section defining a second axis andconfigured to be positioned along the head end and the foot end,respectively. The first lateral cushion member has an abutment portionconfigured to abut flush against the first end surfaces of the first andsecond longitudinal cushion members, and the second lateral cushionmember has an abutment portion configured to abut flush against thesecond end surfaces of the first and second longitudinal cushionmembers. The arrangement further comprises a plurality of securingmembers arranged on the longitudinal cushion members so as to beremovably securable to the first and second sides of the crib. The firstangle is defined by each of the first and second end surfaces relativeto the first axis of the body section. In one embodiment the abutmentportions of the lateral cushion members are provided by an angled planarmajor surface of each of the lateral cushion members, wherein each ofthe angled major planar surfaces defines a second angle that issupplementary to the first angle. In another embodiment, the abutmentportions are provided by opposing end surfaces of each of the lateralcushion members, each of the opposing end surfaces of the lateralcushion members defining a third angle relative to the second axis thatis complementary to the first angle. In one embodiment, the second axisis perpendicular to the first axis.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is providedfor arranging cushion members to define a substantially rectangularsurface area having first and second opposed ends and first and secondopposed sides. The method comprises: (a) providing first and secondlateral cushion members, each of the lateral cushion members having anabutment portion; (b) placing the first lateral cushion member along thefirst end with the abutment portion thereof facing away from the firstend; (c) placing the second lateral cushion member along the second endwith the abutment portion thereof facing away from the second end; (d)providing first and second longitudinal cushion members, each of thelongitudinal cushion members comprising a body section defining a firstaxis and having first and second end surfaces, each of the end surfacesdefining a first angle relative to the axis of the body section; (e)placing the first longitudinal cushion member along the first side sothat the first and second end surfaces thereof are in surface-to-surfaceabutment with the abutment portions of the first and second lateralcushion members, respectively; and (f) placing the second longitudinalcushion member along the second side so that the first and second endsurfaces thereof are in surface-to-surface abutment with the abutmentportions of the first and second lateral cushion members, respectively.In one embodiment, in which the abutment portions of the lateral cushionmembers are provided by a single, angled major surface, the first angle,defined by each of the first and second end surfaces relative to thefirst axis of the body section, and a second angle, defined by theangled major surface of each of the lateral cushion members, aresupplementary. In another embodiment, in which the abutment portions areprovided by angled end surfaces of the lateral cushion members, and inwhich a third angle is defined by the angled end surfaces of the lateralcushion members relative to a second axis defined by a body section ofthe lateral cushion members, the first and third angles arecomplementary. In one embodiment, the second axis is perpendicular tothe first axis.

Other aspects and variations of the arrangements and methods summarizedabove are also contemplated and will be more fully understood whenconsidered with respect to the following disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome appreciated as the same become better understood with referenceto the specification, claims and appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a crib shown with part of an assembledarrangement of exemplary cushion members in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an assembled arrangement of exemplarycushion members provided in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lateral cushion member of thearrangement shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a longitudinal cushion member of thearrangement shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of thelongitudinal cushion member shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of the lateralcushion member of the arrangement shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of thelongitudinal cushion member;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a cushion member provided in accordancewith another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the cushion member shown in FIG. 8

FIG. 10 is an end view of the cushion member shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a rear elevational view of the cushion member shown in FIG.8; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an assembled arrangement of the cushionmembers shown in FIGS. 8-11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of the presently preferredembodiments of the arrangement of cushion members provided in accordancewith aspects of the present disclosure, and is not intended to representthe only forms in which the arrangement of the present disclosure may beconstructed or utilized. The description sets forth the features and thesteps for constructing and using the arrangement of the presentdisclosure in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to beunderstood, however, that the same or equivalent functions andstructures may be accomplished by different embodiments that are alsointended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure. As denoted elsewhere herein, like element numbers areintended to indicate like or similar elements or features.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an exemplary assembledarrangement of cushion members or cushion assembly 10 for use with abed, such as, for example, a crib 12. The crib 12 comprises a first endwall or headboard 14, a second end wall or footboard 16, and oppositesides 18 and 20. Each of the opposite sides 18 and 20 comprises an upperside rail 22 and a lower side rail 24 connected by a plurality ofvertical slats 26. In FIG. 1, the end walls 14 and 16 are shown as solidsurfaces; however, alternative end walls comprising horizontal end railsconnected by vertical slats are also suitable. The arrangement ofcushion members 10 comprises first and second longitudinal cushionmembers 30, 32 and first and second lateral cushion members 34, 36 (FIG.2). The first and second lateral cushion members 34, 36 are placed alongthe first and second end walls 14, 16, respectively, and the first andsecond longitudinal cushion members 30, 32 are respectively placed alongthe opposite sidewalls 18 and 20. The two longitudinal cushion members30, 32 and the two lateral cushion members 34, 36 form a cushioned orpadded perimeter around the mattress or pad 28 within the crib 12.Alternatively, the arrangement 10 can be used on a floor for large motorplays, as bed bolsters, as reading wedges or other similar activities.In one embodiment, the arrangement 10 is assembled on a floor surface38, as shown in FIG. 2, to provide a cushioned or padded perimeteraround a defined area of the floor.

As best shown in FIG. 2, in one exemplary embodiment, the first andsecond longitudinal cushion members 30, 32 are advantageouslysubstantially similar in shape and size. Specifically, in this exemplaryembodiment, each of the longitudinal cushion members 30, 32 comprises anelongate body section 50, which defines a longitudinal axis A andcomprises a first end surface 56 and a second end surface 58 (FIG. 4).Each of the first and second end surfaces 56, 58 defines an obtuse angleβ with respect to the axis A. Each of the longitudinal cushion members30 and 32 further advantageously comprises a plurality of securingmembers 90 that may be used to secure the first and second longitudinalcushion members 30 and 32 to the sidewalls 18 and 20 of the crib 12. Thesecuring members 90 may include, but are not limited to, ribbons,chords, strings, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc. The securing members 90may be fixed to the longitudinal cushion members 30, 32 at predefinedlocations, as shown, or they may be provided separately or at differentlocations. When assembled on a floor surface 38 such as for motor plays,as shown in FIG. 2, the first and second longitudinal members 30 and 32are unsecured. Even without attachment to any sidewalls, the cushionmembers of the arrangement 10 still provide a freestanding cushionedperimeter around a defined area 38 of the floor, as shown in FIG. 2.

Likewise, in one embodiment, the first and second lateral cushionmembers 34, 36 are advantageously of similar size and shape.Specifically, each of the lateral cushion members 34, 36 defines a righttriangle in cross-section (see FIG. 6), having an abutment portionprovided by an angled planar major surface 76, a first triangular endsurface 78, and a second triangular end surface 80. The angled planarmajor surface 76 forms an acute angle α with respect to the longitudinalaxis A of the longitudinal cushion members 30, 32. As best shown in FIG.2, in the assembled state, the angled planar major surface 76 provides aflush abutment or seating against one of the end surfaces 56 or 58 ofeach of the first and second longitudinal cushion members 30 and 32.

In one example, the angles α and β are supplementary and together add to180 degrees. Preferably, the angle α is about 45 degrees, and the angleβ is about 135 degrees with variance of about ±15-20 degrees from thesepreferred values contemplated. For example, α may be about 65 degrees,and the angle β may be about 125 degrees. Furthermore, the two endsurfaces may have different angles (such as β and β′) and the angles ofthe two end cushions may differ (such as supplementary α and α′). Stillfurthermore, since the angles are measured in different directions (suchas clockwise and clockwise), the angles are said to be equal in absolutevalue when one is 45 degrees and the other is negative 45 degrees.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one of the lateral cushionmembers 34, 36 of the arrangement 10 according to aspects of the presentinvention. As mentioned above, each of the lateral cushion members 34,26 defines a right triangle in cross-section, as shown in FIG. 6,wherein the angled planar major surface 76 forms a hypotenuse, and afirst planar surface 72 and a second planar surface 74, which areperpendicular to each other, define the sides. In alternativeembodiments, instead of a triangular body section, the lateral cushionmembers 34 and 36 may include a body section that is rectangular,hexagonal, octagonal or is irregular in shape.

In one embodiment, the dimensions of the first and second lateralcushion members 34 and 36 are configured to fit a standard crib. Whenassembled for use in the crib 12, as best shown in FIG. 1, the firstplanar surface 72 is placed along the end wall 14 or 16 and the secondplanar surface 74 contacts the supporting pad or mattress 28. The angledmajor surface 76, as set forth above, abuts or seats substantially flushagainst one of the end surfaces 56, 58 of both of the first and secondlongitudinal cushion members 30 and 32. In one specific embodiment, thefirst planar surface 72 and the second planar surface 74, in addition tobeing perpendicular to each other, also have the same width. As bestshown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the first triangular end surface 78and the second triangular end surface 80 are right isosceles triangles,with two equal sides and one right angle. In other embodiments, thefirst and second planar surfaces 72 and 74 may have different widths.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the first and secondlongitudinal cushion members 30 and 32. The first end surface 56 and thesecond end surface 58, each defining the angle β relative to thelongitudinal axis A, protrude away from each other. In one embodiment,the angle β is an obtuse angle and supplementary to the angle α, definedby the major planar surface 76 of the lateral cushion members 34 and 36relative to the axis A. As the first and second end surfaces 56 and 58are angled relative to the longitudinal axis A, the body section 50comprises an upper side 52 and a lower side 54 of unequal lengths; theupper side 52 being longer than the lower side 54. While the bodysection 50 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is substantially cylindrical, thelongitudinal cushion members 30 and 32 may have other cross-sectionalconfigurations, such as, for example, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal,or other cross-sections, such as the half-cylindrical cross-sectionillustrated in FIGS. 8-12.

As set forth above, the securing members 90 attached to the body section50 may be used to secure the first and second longitudinal cushionmembers 30 and 32 to the sidewalls 18 and 20 of the crib 12. When thearrangement of cushion members 10 is placed on a non-confined surfacearea such as on a regular bed or on the floor, the unsecured securingmembers 90, such as ribbons or ties, may contribute to the estheticappeal of the longitudinal cushion members 30 and 32.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of thelongitudinal cushion member 30, 32 of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 illustrates across-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of the lateral cushion member34, 36 of FIG. 3. In one embodiment, the first and second longitudinalmembers 30, 32 (FIG. 5) and the first and second lateral cushion members34, 36 (FIG. 6) each comprises a resiliently firm and cushioning core40, covered by a water resistant cover 42, enveloped in a removableslipcover 44. In one embodiment, the core 40 is made of polymeric foam,preferably a fairly high density foam (such as polyurethane, forexample) to provide the desired balance of firmness and softness. In onespecific embodiment, the core 40 is made from polyurethane foam with adensity of 1.2 pounds per cubic foot and a weight of 30 lbs. At thisdensity and weight, among other things, the core 40 has a suitablefirmness and substance. In alternative embodiments, suitable materialstypically used in making pillows and cushions and having differentdensities and/or weights may be used.

The water-resistant cover 42 may be made from natural or syntheticwaterproof fabrics such as rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC),polyurethane, silicone elastomers and/or combinations thereof. Thewater-resistant cover 42 protects the core 40 from undesirablecontamination. In one embodiment, the core 40 is permanently enclosedwithin the water resistant cover 42. In alternative embodiments, thewater resistant cover 42 may be removable.

The removable slipcover 44 enveloping the water resistant cover 42 andthe core 40 may be made from a soft, pliable fabric material, such ascotton, polyester, silk and the like. For aesthetical appeal, theslipcover 44 may be made from decorative and colorful fabric. The colorand pattern of the removable slipcover 44 are a matter of choice. In oneembodiment, serene and soothing colors and patterns are used to providea peaceful and relaxing environment for an infant. In other embodiments,busy patterns and loud colors may be used to provide sensory stimulationto the infant. The removable slipcover 44 may comprise a closure member46 to allow easy removal of the slipcover 44 from the core 40 and waterresistant cover 42. In one specific embodiment, as illustrated, theclosure member 46 is a zipper. In other embodiments, hooks, loop,adhesives, ties, ribbons and other types of fasteners, and/or acombination thereof may be suitable.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, in one embodiment, the closure member 46 isplaced along the lower side 54 of the cylindrical body section 50, whereit is hidden from view and least likely to come into contact with theinfant in the crib 12. However, it may also be placed on the upper side52 if desired.

On the first and second lateral cushion members 34 and 36, in oneembodiment, the closure member 46 is placed along the first planarsurface 72, where it is hidden from sight and also least likely to comeinto contact with an infant in the crib 12. In other embodiments, theclosure member 46 may be placed along the second planar surface 74 or atthe interface between the angled planar major surface 76 and secondplanar surface 74, or between the angled major surface 76 and the firstplanar surface 72, as desired.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment having longitudinal cushionmembers 130, 132 each of which comprises an inflatable bladder 140covered in a removable slipcover 144 secured by a closure member 146,such as hook-and-loop fastener (as shown), or alternatively, a zipper(as in the previously-described embodiment), or any suitable functionalequivalent. The bladder 140 may be made of any suitable polymeric film,and it may be inflated through an inflation valve (not shown), of thetype commonly used, for example, in inflatable pillows and airmattresses. An advantage of this embodiment is that there is no need fora separate water-resistant cover, because the bladder material is itselfimpervious to liquids. Another advantage is that the degree of firmnessmay be adjusted by adjusting the inflation pressure. It will beunderstood that this inflatable bladder construction may also be usedfor the lateral cushion members.

The cushion members provided in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention fit snuggly and firmly relative to each other, even freestanding such as when used on a non-confined area. When assembled, forexample, within a crib, their snug and firm assembly inhibits anycushion member from substantial movement, thereby significantly reducingthe likelihood of the arrangement of the cushion members in the cribbecoming disassembled. In addition to being easy to assemble, theyprovide a firm, secure and comfortable environment for the infant. Thewater-resistant cover 42 keeps the core 40 clean and preventsundesirable contamination. The removable slipcover 44 facilitates thewashing and changing process. In addition to be part of an arrangementas disclosed above, the first and second lateral cushion members 34 and36 may also be used separately to divide the crib in cozy and smallerenclosures. Furthermore, each cushion member may be used individually asplay props, reading and bed wedges, motor enhancement tools, etc.

FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 11 illustrate the top, front, end, and rear views,respectively, of a cushion member 150 provided in accordance withanother embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment isparticularly advantageous for use as a crib bumper, as will be discussedbelow, but other applications will readily suggest themselves. In thisembodiment, when used, for example, as a crib bumper, four cushionmembers 150, substantially identical in configuration, are used as thetwo longitudinal cushion members and the two lateral cushion members,with the longitudinal cushion members differing from the lateral cushionmembers only in that the former would be longer than the latter for usein a typical crib, as described above, and as shown in FIG. 12.

In this embodiment, the cushion member 150 comprises a half cylindricalbody section 152 defining a longitudinal axis B. As best shown in FIGS.8 and 9, the body section 152 comprises a flat, planar base 154, anarcuate (e.g., semi-circular) dome section 156, and beveled or slantedend surfaces 158, the latter defining an angle relative to thelongitudinal axis B. The dome section 156 meets the base 154 at an upperedge 162 and a lower edge 164. As shown in FIG. 9, each of the endsurfaces 158 may advantageously define a semi-circle having a diameter Dthat corresponds to the width of the base 154.

As mentioned above, and as best shown in FIG. 8, each of the endsurfaces 158 defines an angle relative to the axis B. Preferably, bothend surfaces 158 define a substantially identical angle θ, which isadvantageously 45 degrees. In alternative embodiments, the angle of oneof the ends 158 may be different from the angle at the other end. Aswill be seen, however, the angle of the first one of the ends isadvantageously complementary to the angle at the other end, so thatwhen, for example, the left end of a first cushion member is seated inabutment against the right end of an adjoining second cushion member,the two cushion members form a right angle.

In one embodiment, the cushion members 150 include attachment members166 that may be used to attach the cushion members 150 to a surface,such as a crib mattress, a bed, a floor surface, or an object, such assidewalls of a crib. The attachment members 166 may include, but are notlimited to, attachment tabs, fasteners, strings, ribbons, chords and thelike. In one embodiment, the attachment members 166 may be strips ortabs including hook-and-loop fasteners. The attachment members 166 maybe fixed to the body section 152 at predefined locations, as shown inFIG. 11, or they may be provided separately or at different locations.In one embodiment, the attachment members 166 are provided on the base154. In an alternative embodiment, the attachment members 166 areprovided along one or both of the edges 162, 164.

Similar to previously described embodiments, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6,the cushion member 150 comprises a resilient firm and cushioning core 40covered by a water resistant cover 42 and enveloped in a removableslipcover 44. The removable slipcover 44 may comprise a closure member46.

A plurality of cushion members 150 may be assembled to define asubstantially rectangular surface area for use in a crib, a bed or afloor surface. Referring again to FIG. 1, in use as a crib bumper, forexample, the cushion members 150 are positioned around the periphery ofthe crib mattress 28, such that the bases 154 of two longitudinalcushion members respectively contact the opposite sides 18, 20 of thecrib, and the bases of two lateral cushion members respectively contactthe headboard 14 and the footboard. Thus, the domed portions 156 of thecushion members face inwardly around the perimeter of the mattress. Theattachment members 166 may be used, as mentioned above, to secure thecushion members to the sides of the crib and/or to the mattress.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary cushion assembly200 provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Thecushion assembly 200 comprises a plurality of cushion members, of thetype described above in connection with FIGS. 8-11. As shown, theassembly 200 includes first and second opposed longitudinal cushionmembers 150 a and first and second opposed lateral cushion members 150b. The only difference between the longitudinal cushion members 150 a,and the lateral cushion members 150 b, is that the former are longerthan the latter, as mentioned above. The longitudinal cushion members150 a define a first axis B and the lateral cushion members 150 b definea second axis B′. In one embodiment, the first axis B is perpendicularto the second axis B′. The ends of the first lateral cushion members 150b are seated in abutment against the respective adjacent first ends ofthe first and second longitudinal cushion members 150 a. The ends of thesecond lateral cushion member 150 b are seated in abutment against therespective adjacent second ends of the longitudinal cushion members 150a. If the ends 158 of each abutting pair of cushion members 150 a, 150 bare slanted or beveled at 45 degrees (or at complementary angles ingeneral, e.g., 60 degrees and 30 degrees, respectively), the assembly ofthe four cushion members 150 a, 150 b will define a rectangularperimeter around the mattress area. While a flush abutment may bepreferable (for aesthetic and/or other reasons), it is not necessary.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinaryskill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustratedembodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples, andthat the embodiments should not be taken as limiting the invention asdefined by the following claims. The following claims are, therefore, tobe read to include not only the combination of elements which areliterally set forth, but all equivalent elements for performingsubstantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtainsubstantially the same result. The claims are thus to be understood toinclude those that have been illustrated and described above, those thatare conceptually equivalent, and those that incorporate the ideas of theinvention.

1. An arrangement of cushion members having first and second opposedends and first and second opposed sides defining a rectangularperimeter, the arrangement comprising: first and second longitudinalcushion members configured to be arranged along the first and secondsides of the perimeter, respectively, each of the longitudinal cushionmembers comprising a body section defining a first axis and having firstand second end surfaces, the first end surface defining a first anglerelative to the first axis of the body section and the second endsurface defining a second angle relative to the first axis of the bodysection; and first and second lateral cushion members configured to bepositioned along the first and second ends of the perimeter; the firstlateral cushion member having an abutment portion configured to abutflush against the first end surfaces of the first and secondlongitudinal cushion members, and the second lateral cushion memberhaving an abutment portion configured to abut flush against the secondend surfaces of the first and second longitudinal cushion members. 2.The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the abutment portion of the firstlateral cushion member comprises a first angled planar major surfacedefining a third angle relative to the first axis of the body section ofthe longitudinal cushion members; and the abutment portion of the secondlateral cushion member comprises a second angled planar major surfacedefining a fourth angle relative to the axis of the body section of thelongitudinal cushion members, the first angle and the third angle beingsupplementary and the second angle and the fourth angle beingsupplementary.
 3. The arrangement of claim 2, wherein the first angle isan obtuse angle and the third angle is an acute angle.
 4. Thearrangement of claim 1, wherein each of the cushion members comprises: afoam core; a water-resistant cover disposed over the core; and aslipcover removably disposed over the water-resistant cover.
 5. Thearrangement of claim 1, wherein each of the cushion members comprises:an inflatable bladder; and a slipcover removably disposed over thebladder.
 6. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first and secondsides of the perimeter are defined by first and second side structures,respectively, and wherein the arrangement further comprises a pluralityof securing members arranged on the longitudinal cushion members so asto be removably securable to the first and second side structures. 7.The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first angle and the second angleare equal to one another in absolute value.
 8. The arrangement of claim1, wherein each of the lateral cushion members comprises a body sectiondefining a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and each of theabutment portions of the first and second lateral members comprise firstand second end surfaces.
 9. An arrangement of cushion members for usewith a crib having left and right sides, a head end, and a foot end,wherein the arrangement comprises: first and second longitudinal cushionmembers configured to be positioned along the left and right sides,respectively, each of the longitudinal cushion members comprising a bodysection defining a first axis and having first and second end surfaces,the first and second end surfaces each defining a first angle relativeto the first axis of the body section; first and second lateral cushionmembers configured to be positioned along the head end and the foot end,respectively, the first lateral cushion member having an abutmentportion configured to abut flush against the first end surfaces of thefirst and second longitudinal cushion members, and the second lateralcushion member having an abutment portion configured to abut flushagainst the second end surfaces of the first and second longitudinalcushion members; and a plurality of securing members arranged on thelongitudinal cushion members so as to be removably securable to thefirst and second sides of the crib.
 10. The arrangement of claim 9,wherein each of the abutment portions of the first and second lateralcushion members comprises an angled planar major surface defining asecond angle relative to the first axis of the body section of thelongitudinal cushion members, the second angle and the first angle beingsupplementary.
 11. The arrangement of claim 10, wherein the first angleis an obtuse angle and the second angle is an acute angle.
 12. Thearrangement of claim 9, wherein each of the cushion members comprises: afoam core; a water-resistant cover disposed over the core; and aslipcover removably disposed over the water-resistant cover.
 13. Thearrangement of claim 9, wherein each of the cushion members comprises:an inflatable bladder; and a slipcover removably disposed over thebladder.
 14. The arrangement of claim 9, wherein each of the first andsecond lateral cushion member comprises a body section defining a secondaxis, each of the abutment portions of the first and second lateralcushion members comprises a first and second end surfaces, each defininga third angle relative the second axis, the third angle and the firstangle being complementary.
 15. A method for arranging cushion members todefine a substantially rectangular surface area having first and secondopposed ends and first and second opposed sides, the method comprising:(a) providing first and second lateral cushion members, each of thelateral cushion members having an abutment portion; (b) placing thefirst lateral cushion member along the first end with the abutmentportion thereof facing inward and away from the first end; (c) placingthe second lateral cushion member along the second end with the abutmentportion thereof facing inward and away from the second end; (d)providing first and second longitudinal cushion members, each of thelongitudinal cushion members comprising a body section defining a firstaxis and having first and second end surfaces, each of the end surfacesdefining a first angle relative to the axis of the body section; (e)placing the first longitudinal cushion member along the first side sothat the first and second end surfaces thereof are in surface-to-surfaceabutment with the abutment portions of the first and second lateralcushion members, respectively; and (f) placing the second longitudinalcushion member along the second side so that the first and second endsurfaces thereof are in surface-to-surface abutment with the abutmentportions of the first and second lateral cushion members, respectively.16. The method of claim 15, wherein each of the abutment portions of thefirst and second lateral cushion members comprises an angled planarmajor surface defining a second angle relative to the axis of the bodysection of the longitudinal cushion members, the second angle and thefirst angle being supplementary.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein thefirst angle is an obtuse angle and the second angle is an acute angle.18. The method of claim 15, wherein each of the cushion memberscomprises: a foam core; a water-resistant cover disposed over the core;and a slipcover removably disposed over the water-resistant cover. 19.The method of claim 15, wherein each of the cushion members comprises:an inflatable bladder; and a slipcover removably disposed over thebladder.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the first and second sidesof the surface area are defined by first and second side structures,respectively, and wherein the method further comprises removablysecuring the longitudinal cushion members to the first and secondopposed side structures.
 21. The method of claim 15, wherein each of thefirst and second lateral cushion member comprises a body sectiondefining a second axis, each of the abutment portions of the first andsecond lateral cushion members comprises a first and second endsurfaces, each defining a third angle relative to the second axis, thethird angle and the first angle being complementary.